Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a first hardware communication interface that obtains update data for a common control program capable of controlling a plurality of apparatuses whose models are different from one another and a model information file including maintenance information indicating a current maintenance state of each of the plurality of apparatuses; a second hardware communication interface that, when updating the common control program using the update data obtained by the first hardware communication interface, obtains information regarding a model name from a connected apparatus to be controlled; and a hardware controller that, if the maintenance information regarding the connected apparatus from which the second hardware communication interface has obtained the information regarding the model name indicates that a maintenance period has expired, displays a selection screen for asking a user whether to delete the model name from a model list displayed to the user by the common control program.
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second hardware communication interface obtains the information regarding the model name of the connected apparatus to be controlled using management information base information received from the connected apparatus.
This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to control connected devices by obtaining and utilizing their model names. The apparatus includes a first hardware communication interface for transmitting control commands to a connected apparatus and a second hardware communication interface for receiving information from the connected apparatus. The second interface retrieves the model name of the connected apparatus by accessing management information base (MIB) data provided by the connected device. The MIB data is a structured database used in network management to store information about the device, including its model name. By obtaining this model name, the information processing apparatus can identify the connected apparatus and determine the appropriate control commands to send via the first interface. This ensures compatibility and proper functionality between the controlling apparatus and the connected device. The system automates the identification process, reducing manual configuration and improving efficiency in device management. The invention is particularly useful in networked environments where multiple devices with different models need to be controlled dynamically.
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein, if the user determines that the model name is to be deleted from the model list displayed to the user by the common control program, the hardware controller does not display the model name on the model list.
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising: a non-transitory storage medium that stores the information regarding the model name of the connected apparatus to be deleted from the model list, wherein, if the second obtaining information obtains the information regarding the model name stored in the non-transitory storage medium, the hardware controller does not display the model name on the model list.
This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to manage and display a list of model names for connected devices, with a mechanism to selectively exclude certain models from the displayed list. The apparatus includes a hardware controller that generates and displays a model list of connected devices, and a non-transitory storage medium that stores information about specific model names to be excluded from this list. When the hardware controller retrieves information about a connected device, it checks whether the device's model name matches any stored in the exclusion list. If a match is found, the hardware controller suppresses the display of that model name, effectively hiding it from the user. This functionality allows for selective filtering of device models, which can be useful in scenarios where certain devices should not be visible or accessible through the apparatus. The exclusion list is stored in a persistent storage medium, ensuring that the filtering rules remain consistent across system restarts or power cycles. The invention builds on a base system that already includes a model list generation feature, enhancing it with dynamic exclusion capabilities to improve user experience or enforce access restrictions.
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein, if the user determines that the model name is not to be deleted from the model list displayed to the user by the common control program, the hardware controller displays the model name on the model list.
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising: a non-transitory storage medium that stores the information regarding the model name of the connected apparatus not to be deleted from the model list, wherein, if the second obtaining information obtains the information regarding the model name stored in the non-transitory storage medium, the hardware controller displays the model name on the model list even when the maintenance information regarding the connected apparatus indicates that the maintenance period has expired.
This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to manage and display model information of connected devices, particularly addressing the challenge of maintaining accurate and accessible model lists even when maintenance periods for connected devices have expired. The apparatus includes a hardware controller that obtains and displays model names of connected devices in a model list. A non-transitory storage medium stores model names that should not be deleted from the model list, ensuring persistence even if maintenance information indicates the connected device's maintenance period has expired. When the hardware controller retrieves model information from the storage medium, it displays the model name in the list regardless of the maintenance status. This ensures that critical device information remains available for operational continuity, even if the device is no longer under active maintenance. The system prevents unnecessary removal of model names from the list, improving reliability and usability in environments where device maintenance periods may lapse. The invention is particularly useful in industrial or enterprise settings where maintaining historical or operational data is essential.
7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, if the user determines that the model name is to be deleted from the model list displayed to the user by the common control program, the hardware controller does not display the model name on the model list.
This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to manage and display a list of model names for hardware devices. The apparatus includes a hardware controller that generates a model list of available hardware models and a common control program that displays this list to a user. The apparatus allows the user to interact with the model list, including the ability to delete a model name from the list. When a user selects a model name for deletion, the hardware controller ensures that the deleted model name is no longer displayed in the model list. This functionality prevents the user from accidentally selecting a deleted or unavailable hardware model, improving user experience and system efficiency by maintaining an up-to-date and relevant list of available models. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as a user interface for managing the model list and a storage system for tracking deleted models to prevent re-display. The invention is particularly useful in environments where hardware models are frequently added or removed, ensuring that the displayed list accurately reflects the current available options.
8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising: a non-transitory storage medium that stores the information regarding the model name of the connected apparatus to be deleted from the model list, wherein, if the second obtaining information obtains the information regarding the model name stored in the non-transitory storage medium, the hardware controller does not display the model name on the model list.
9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, if the user determines that the model name is not to be deleted from the model list displayed to the user by the common control program, the hardware controller displays the model name on the model list.
10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 , further comprising: a non-transitory storage medium that stores the information regarding the model name of the connected apparatus not to be deleted from the model list, wherein, if the second obtaining information obtains the information regarding the model name stored in the non-transitory storage medium, the hardware controller displays the model name on the model list even when the maintenance information regarding the connected apparatus indicates that the maintenance period has expired.
This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to manage and display model information for connected devices, particularly addressing the challenge of maintaining accurate and accessible model lists even when maintenance periods for certain devices have expired. The apparatus includes a hardware controller that obtains and displays model names of connected devices in a model list. A key feature is the inclusion of a non-transitory storage medium that stores model names of connected devices that should not be deleted from the model list, even if their maintenance periods have expired. When the hardware controller retrieves model information from the storage medium, it ensures that these model names remain visible in the model list, regardless of the maintenance status indicated by the connected devices. This prevents the loss of critical device information due to expired maintenance periods, improving system reliability and user experience. The apparatus may also include a display unit for presenting the model list and a communication interface for interacting with connected devices. The hardware controller manages the display of model names based on the stored information, ensuring persistent visibility for specified devices. This solution is particularly useful in environments where device maintenance status should not affect the availability of model information.
11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the hardware controller is configured to determine whether the model information file includes a new model that is not included in a model list, if the model information file includes the new model that is not included in the model list, the hardware controller adds information regarding the new model to the model list.
This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to manage and update model information for hardware components. The apparatus includes a hardware controller that monitors model information files to detect new hardware models. When a model information file is received, the hardware controller checks whether the file contains a new model not already listed in a pre-existing model list. If a new model is detected, the hardware controller automatically adds the new model's information to the model list. This ensures the system maintains an up-to-date inventory of supported hardware models, facilitating compatibility checks and system updates. The apparatus may also include a storage unit for storing the model list and a communication interface for receiving model information files from external sources. The hardware controller's ability to dynamically update the model list improves system efficiency by reducing manual intervention and ensuring accurate hardware recognition. This solution addresses the challenge of maintaining current hardware model information in systems where hardware configurations may change frequently.
12. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing a computer to execute a process comprising: obtaining update data for a common control program capable of controlling a plurality of apparatuses whose models are different from one another and a model information file including maintenance information indicating a current maintenance state of each of the plurality of apparatuses; obtaining, when updating the common control program using the update data obtained in the obtaining the update data, information regarding a model name from a connected apparatus to be controlled; and asking, if the maintenance information regarding the connected apparatus from which the information regarding the model name has been obtained in the obtaining the information indicates that a maintenance period has expired, a user whether to delete the model name from a model list displayed to the user by the common control program.
This invention relates to a system for updating a common control program used to manage multiple apparatuses of different models. The problem addressed is ensuring safe and informed updates when some connected devices may be out of maintenance, which could lead to compatibility or reliability issues. The solution involves a computer-readable medium storing a program that performs several key steps. First, it retrieves update data for the common control program and a model information file containing maintenance statuses for each connected apparatus. During the update process, the system identifies the model name of the connected apparatus to be controlled. If the maintenance information indicates the device is past its maintenance period, the system prompts the user to decide whether to remove the device's model name from the control program's model list. This prevents outdated or unsupported devices from being controlled by the updated program, reducing risks of malfunctions or errors. The approach ensures that only devices within their maintenance period are managed, improving system reliability and user awareness of device status.
13. An information processing method comprising: obtaining update data for a common control program capable of controlling a plurality of apparatuses whose models are different from one another and a model information file including maintenance information indicating a current maintenance state of each of the plurality of apparatuses; obtaining, when updating the common control program using the update data obtained by the obtaining means, obtaining information regarding a model name from a connected apparatus to be controlled; and controlling, if the maintenance information regarding the connected apparatus from which the obtaining means has obtained the information regarding the model name indicates that a maintenance period has expired, displaying a selection screen for asking a user whether to delete the model name from a model list displayed to the user by the common control program.
Unknown
March 2, 2021
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